Method and apparatus for self camera shooting

ABSTRACT

An apparatus capable of taking a self-portrait picture includes a screen, a camera, and a controller configured to cause the screen to display a live preview image received from the camera, after the live preview image is displayed, detect a first user gesture for triggering a display of an indicator on the screen, cause the screen to display the indicator at a changeable position where the first user gesture is detected, wherein the indicator indicates that a gesture detection mode is entered to recognize a second user gesture different from the first user gesture, while the indicator is displayed on the screen, detect the second user gesture in the indicator, and after detecting the second user gesture, cause the camera to automatically take a self-portrait picture.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/678,350, filed Nov. 15, 2012 which claims priority to Korea PatentNo. 10-2011-0120039, filed Nov. 17, 2011, and is incorporated herein byreference into this disclosure as if fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a self-camera image capturing, andspecifically, to a method and an apparatus for enabling a self-cameraimage capturing.

BACKGROUND

A recent mobile terminal has a camera basically and supports an imagecapturing function using the camera.

To perform the image capturing, a user presses a key button of a mobileterminal or touches a button on a touch screen.

However, in the example where a user touches a button on a screen toperform the image capturing, as the user touches the button with histhumb generally, a hand gripping the mobile terminal may shake or thehand's posture may be unstable during the image capturing. This issuebecomes more serious during the self-camera image capturing.

In addition, in the example where a user presses a key of the mobileterminal to perform the camera image capturing, since the key ispositioned at a certain position, one of a left-handed user and aright-handed user has inconvenience.

SUMMARY

To address the above-discussed deficiencies of the prior art, it is aprimary object to provide at least the advantages described below.Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a methodand an apparatus for the self-camera image capturing.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a method and anapparatus for allowing a user to conveniently take a picture in theself-camera image capturing mode.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide anapparatus and a method for providing a user input comprising apre-determined pattern on a screen for taking a self-portrait imagecapturing so that a user can and perform the image capturing. Yetanother aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus anda method for providing a user input comprising a pre-determined patternon a screen for taking a self-portrait picture in a stable manner.

Yet further another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide anapparatus and method for providing a user input comprising aconfigurable pattern, on a screen, for taking a self-portrait picture.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatusand a method for providing a user input comprising a pattern configuredby the user for taking a self-portrait picture.

Yet further another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide anapparatus and a method in which a user freely decides a position of apop-up for image capturing in the self-camera mode so that a user canenter a user input with respect to the pop-up conveniently.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a method for theself-camera image capturing in a mobile terminal is provided. The methodincludes determining whether a first user input is detected, when thefirst user input is detected, entering a half shutter mode, determiningwhether a second user input is detected, and when the second user inputis detected, performing the self-camera image capturing.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, anapparatus of a mobile terminal performing the self-camera imagecapturing is provided. The apparatus includes a camera for theself-camera image capturing, an input unit for detecting a user input,and a controller for determining whether a first user input is detected,when the first user input is detected, entering a half shutter mode,determining whether a second user input is detected, and when the seconduser input is detected, performing the self-camera image capturing.

Other aspects, advantages and salient features of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings,discloses example embodiments of the invention.

Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION below, itmay be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words andphrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “include” and“comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion withoutlimitation; the term “or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases“associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivativesthereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with,contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, becommunicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximateto, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and theterm “controller” means any device, system or part thereof that controlsat least one operation, such a device may be implemented in hardware,firmware or software, or some combination of at least two of the same.It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particularcontroller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally orremotely. Definitions for certain words and phrases are providedthroughout this patent document, those of ordinary skill in the artshould understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitionsapply to prior, as well as future uses of such defined words andphrases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and itsadvantages, reference is now made to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals represent like parts:

FIGS. 1A-C illustrate a user input operation for allowing a user toperform a self-camera image capturing conveniently and stably in amobile terminal according to an example embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 2A-C illustrate a user input operation for allowing a user toperform a self-camera image capturing conveniently and stably in amobile terminal according to another example embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart for enabling a user to perform aself-camera image capturing conveniently and stably in a mobile terminalaccording to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates another flow chart for enabling a user to perform aself-camera image capturing conveniently and stably in a mobile terminalaccording to another example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates yet another flow chart for enabling a user to performa self-camera image capturing conveniently and stably in a mobileterminal according to still another example embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrating a process for notifying a half shutter modeaccording to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrating a process for the image capturing by a detection ofa second user input since a half shutter mode according to an exampleembodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram a mobile terminal enabling a user toperform a self-camera image capturing conveniently and stably accordingto an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood torefer to like parts, components and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1A through 8, discussed below, and the various embodiments used todescribe the principles of the present disclosure in this patentdocument are by way of illustration only and should not be construed inany way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the artwill understand that the principles of the present disclosure may beimplemented in any suitably arranged system or device. The followingdescription with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided toassist in a comprehensive understanding of example embodiments of theinvention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includesvarious specific details to assist in that understanding but these areto be regarded as merely example. Accordingly, those of ordinary skillin the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of theembodiments described herein can be made without departing from thescope and spirit of the invention. Also, descriptions of well-knownfunctions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are notlimited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by theinventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of theinvention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in theart that the following description of example embodiments of the presentinvention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for thepurpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and anapparatus for enabling to take a self-portrait picture via apredetermined user input instead of inputting an exclusive button fortaking a self-portrait picture.

Hereinafter, a method and an apparatus for a self-camera image capturingare described. Though a self-camera image capturing indicates aself-portrait image capturing, the present disclosure is applicable toother general camera image capturing. A user input in the presentdisclosure includes both a user's touch and a user's input other thanthe user's touch.

FIGS. 1A-C illustrate a user input operation for enabling a user toperform the self-camera image capturing conveniently and stably in amobile terminal according to an example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-C, a special key for the self-camera imagecapturing is not provided. Instead, when a specific user input isdetected on a preview screen, the image capturing is performed.

That is, when a user performs a certain motion on a preview screen withhis finger, the image capturing is performed. In FIGS. 1A-C, the certainmotion is “V”. The certain motion in FIGS. 1A-C can be designated by theuser. In addition, a user-designated certain motion setting is performedvia an exclusive menu provided to the mobile terminal, and the userperforms the certain motion on a touch screen of the mobile terminal toconfigure the certain motion.

First, in FIG. 1A, the user takes a posture for the self-camera imagecapturing, and enters a user input in a lower diagonal direction inorder to input “V” on the screen, that is, the preview screen.

After that, in FIG. 1B, the user touches his/her finger on the screen,that is, the preview screen, and stands by for a predetermined time. Thepredetermined time is for improving the accuracy of “V” inputrecognition. At this point, the camera enters a half shutter mode.

After that, in FIG. 1C, the user performs an input in an upper diagonaldirection in order to complete an input “V” on the screen, that is, thepreview screen. Then, the camera image capturing is performed.

FIGS. 2A-C is a second view illustrating a user input operation forenabling a user to perform the self-camera image capturing convenientlyand stably in a mobile terminal according to another example embodimentof the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-C, a special key for the self-camera imagecapturing is not provided. Instead, when a certain user input isdetected on a preview screen, the image capturing is performed.

In FIGS. 2A-C, when a user enters a user input on the preview screen(FIG. 2A), a popup menu appears (FIG. 2B). The popup menu is shown on apopup. When the user provides a user input to the popup, a picture istaken (FIG. 2C).

That is, the popup can be located on a position where a user can providea user input conveniently.

FIG. 3 illustrates a process for allowing a user to take a self-portraitpicture conveniently and stably in a mobile terminal according to anexample embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, when the mobile terminal enters a self-portraitimage capturing mode (step 305) and then detects a user input 1 (step310), the mobile terminal determines the validity of the user input 1(step 315). An example of determining the validity of the user input 1is described below.

A step of determining whether the user input 1 is valid can includedetermining whether the position (ex: x, y coordinates) of a user inputand the length of the user input in FIG. 1A are between respective upperand lower thresholds, and determining whether the standby time shown inFIG. 1B is between another upper and lower thresholds. In addition, theupper threshold and the lower threshold can be set by the userbeforehand or can be a predetermined value. Alternatively, an algorithmfor determining the validity of the user input 1 can be a generallysuitable known algorithm.

When the user input 1 is valid (step 315), the mobile terminal enters ahalf shutter mode (step 320).

When the user input 1 is not detected (step 310) or the user input 1 isnot valid (step 315), the mobile terminal monitors whether the userinput 1 is detected again (step 310).

After that, when the mobile terminal detects a user input 2 (step 325),the mobile terminal determines whether the user input 2 is valid (step330).

A step of determining whether the user input 2 is valid can includedetermining whether the position (x, y coordinates) of a user input andthe length of the user input in FIG. 1C are between respective upper andlower thresholds. In addition, the upper and lower thresholds can beconfigured by the user beforehand or can be a predetermined value.Alternatively, an algorithm for determining the validity of the userinput 2 can adopt any generally known suitable algorithm.

When the user input 2 is valid (step 330), the mobile terminal takes apicture (step 335).

When the user input 2 is not detected (step 325) or the user input 2 isnot valid (step 330), the mobile terminal monitors whether the userinput 2 is detected again (step 325).

After that, the mobile terminal displays a taken image (i.e., an imagecaptured by the mobile terminal) (step 340), and when an instruction tostore the taken image is received from the user (step 345), the mobileterminal stores the taken image (step 350).

FIG. 4 illustrates a process for allowing a user to take a self-portraitpicture conveniently and stably in a mobile terminal according toanother example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, when the mobile terminal enters a self-portraitimage capturing mode (step 405) and then detects a user-defined userinput 1 (step 410), the mobile terminal determines whether theuser-defined user input 1 is valid (step 415).

Here, the user-defined user input 1 indicates a user input patterndefined by the user. When the user-defined user input 1 is valid (step415), the mobile terminal enters a half-shutter mode (step 420).

When the user-defined user input 1 is not detected (step 410), or theuser-defined user input 1 is not valid (step 415), the mobile terminalmonitors whether the user-defined user input 1 is detected again (step410).

After that, when the mobile terminal detects a user-defined user input 2(step 425), the mobile terminal determines whether the user-defined userinput 2 is valid (step 430).

Here, the user-defined user input 2 indicates a user input patterndefined by the user.

An algorithm for determining whether the user-defined user input 1 andthe user-defined user input 2 are valid can be the algorithm describedin association to FIG. 3, or any other generally known suitablealgorithm.

When the user-defined user input 2 is valid (step 430), the mobileterminal takes a picture (step 435).

When the user-defined user input 2 is not detected (step 425), or theuser-defined user input 2 is not valid (step 430), the mobile terminalmonitors whether the user-defined user input 2 is detected again (step425).

After that, the mobile terminal displays a taken image (i.e., an imagetaken by the mobile terminal) (step 440) and when an instruction tostore the taken image is received from the user (step 445), the mobileterminal stores the taken image (step 450).

FIG. 5 illustrates a process for allowing a user to perform aself-camera image capturing conveniently and stably in a mobile terminalaccording to still another example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5, when the mobile terminal enters a self-camera imagecapturing mode (step 505) and then detects a user input 1 on a screen(step 510), the mobile terminal displays a popup (step 515). Here, thepopup locates at a position at which the user entered a user input onthe screen.

After that, the mobile terminal enters a half shutter mode (step 525).

Then, when detecting a user input with respect to the popup (step 530),the mobile terminal takes a picture (step 535).

When not detecting the user input with respect to the popup (step 530),the mobile terminal monitors whether a user input with respect to thepopup is detected again.

After that, the mobile terminal displays a taken image (i.e., an imagetaken by the mobile terminal) (step 540), and a command to store thetaken image is received from the user (step 545), the mobile terminalstores the taken image (step 550).

FIG. 6 illustrates a process for indicating a half shutter modeaccording to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6, when successfully detecting the user input 1, themobile terminal enters a half shutter mode. In this example, when themobile terminal informs the user using the mobile terminal of that themobile terminal enters the half shutter mode, more convenience can beprovided to the user.

When successfully detecting the user input 1 (step 605), the mobileterminal enters the half shutter mode (step 610) and generates a halfshutter mode output informing that the mobile terminal enters the halfshutter mode (step 615).

The half shutter mode can be notified by voice or sounds, vibration, ora message on a screen.

In addition, the half shutter mode can be notified by a blinking of aLight Emitting Diode (LED) provided to the mobile terminal, or ablinking of a flash provided to the mobile terminal, which do not limitto the scope of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a process for the image capturing by a detection of auser input 2 in a half shutter according to an example embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7, after outputting the half shutter mode (step 705),the mobile terminal makes a preparation for a detection of the userinput 2 (step 710). The preparation for the detection of the user input2 includes determining whether a process for detecting the user input 2is configured to adopt an automatic image capturing mode.

When the automatic image capturing mode is adopted (step 715), themobile terminal automatically performs the camera image capturing in apredetermined time (step 725). In this example, a counter time remaininguntil taking a picture can be displayed.

When the automatic picture taking mode is not configured (step 715), themobile terminal determines whether the user input 2 is detected (step720).

When detecting the user input 2 (step 720), the mobile terminal performsa camera image capturing (step 730).

The processes after this are the same as the above-described processes(ex: store a taken image).

When detecting the user input 2, instead of the user's operation ofproviding the user input on the screen of the mobile terminal, themobile terminal determines whether predetermined voice or sound isdetected, and when the predetermined voice or sound is detected, themobile terminal can determine that the user input 2 has been detected.

In addition, when detecting the user input 2, the mobile terminaldetermines whether the user's specific gesture is input, and when thecertain gesture is detected, the mobile terminal can determine that theuser input 2 has been detected.

FIG. 8 illustrates a mobile terminal allowing a user to perform theself-camera image capturing conveniently and stably according to anexample embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8, the mobile terminal includes a modem 810, acontroller 820, a storage unit 830, a user input detector 840, a displayunit 850, an input unit 860, and a camera 870. The controller 820controls the user input detector 840. In addition, the user inputdetector 840 performs the self-camera image capturing using the camera870.

The modem 810 serves as a module for communicating with otherapparatuses, and includes a radio processor, a baseband processor, etc.The radio processor converts a signal received via an antenna into abaseband signal to provide the same to the baseband processor, andconverts a baseband signal from the baseband processor into a RadioFrequency (RF) signal so that the signal can be transmitted on an actualRF path, to transmit the same via the antenna.

All types of RF communication protocols currently in use can be used asan RF communication protocol used by the modem. The controller 820controls an overall operation of the mobile terminal, and moreparticularly, controls the user input detector 840 according to thepresent disclosure.

The storage unit 830 stores a program for controlling an overalloperation of the mobile terminal and temporary data generated duringexecution of the program. Particularly, the storage unit 830 stores ataken or generated image according to an example embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

The display unit 850 displays an output of the controller 820, and canbe a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), for example.

The input unit 860 serves as a unit for receiving a user input, and ispositioned on the display unit 850, and feeds the user input to thecontroller 820.

When the mobile terminal enters a self-camera image capturing mode andthen detects the user input 1, the user input detector 840 determineswhether the user input 1 is valid.

A step of determining whether the user input 1 is valid can includedetermining whether the position (ex: x, y coordinates) of a user inputand the length of the user input in FIG. 1A is within the upper andlower thresholds, and determining whether the standby time in FIG. 1B isbetween the upper and lower thresholds. The upper threshold and thelower threshold can be configured by the user in advance or can be apredetermined value.

When the user input 1 is valid, the user input detector 840 enters ahalf shutter mode.

When the user input 1 is not detected, or the user input 1 is not valid,the user input detector 840 monitors whether the user input 1 isdetected again.

After that, when detecting the user input 2, the user input detector 840determines whether the user input 2 is valid. A step of determiningwhether the user input 2 is valid can include determining whether theposition (x, y coordinates) of a user input and the length of the userinput in FIG. 1C is between the upper and lower thresholds. Likewise,the upper thresholds and the lower thresholds can be set by the user inadvance or can be a predetermined value. When the user input 2 is valid,the user input detector 840 takes a picture from a camera.

When the user input 2 is not detected, or the user input 2 is not valid,the user input detector 840 monitors whether the user input 2 isdetected again.

After that, the user input detector 840 displays a taken image on thedisplay unit 850, and when a user selects to store a taken image, theuser input detector 840 stores the taken image in the storage unit 830.

After the mobile terminal enters a self-portrait picture mode, whendetecting the user-defined user input 1, the user input detector 840determines whether the user-defined user input 1 is valid. Here, theuser-defined user input 1 is a user input pattern defined by the user.The position, the length, and the time of the user-defined user input 1,and the upper threshold and the lower threshold can be arbitrarily setby the user.

When the user-defined user input 1 is valid, the user input detector 840enters a half shutter mode.

When the user-defined user input 1 is not detected, or the user-defineduser input 1 is not valid, the user input detector 840 monitors whetherthe user-defined user input 1 is detected again.

After that, when detecting a user-defined user input 2, the user inputdetector 840 determines whether the user-defined user input 2 is valid.Here, the user-defined user input 2 is a user input pattern defined bythe user. The position, and the length of the user-defined user input 2,and the upper threshold and the lower threshold can be arbitrarily setby the user.

When the user-defined user input 2 is valid, the user input detector 840takes a picture from a camera.

When the user-defined user input 2 is not detected, or the user-defineduser input 2 is not valid, the user input detector 840 monitors whetherthe user-defined user input 2 is detected again.

After that, the user input detector 840 displays a taken image on thedisplay unit 850, and when a user selects to store the taken image, theuser input detector 840 stores the taken image in the storage unit 830.

Alternatively, after the mobile terminal enters the self-camera mode,when the user input detector 840 detects a user input on the screen, theuser input detector 840 displays a popup. Here, the popup locates at aposition at which the user entered the user input on the screen.

After that, the user input detector 840 enters a half shutter mode (step525).

After that, when detecting a user input with respect to the popup, theuser input detector 840 performs the camera image capturing.

When not detecting the user input with respect to the popup, the userinput detector 840 monitors whether the user input with respect to thepopup is detected again.

After that, the mobile terminal displays a taken image on the display850, and when a user determines to store the taken image, the mobileterminal stores the taken image in the storage unit 830.

When successfully detecting the user input 1, the user input detector840 enters a half shutter mode. In this example, when the user inputdetector 840 informs the user who uses the mobile terminal that the userinput detector 840 enters the half shutter mode, more convenience can beprovided to the user.

That is, when successfully detecting the user input 1, the user inputdetector 840 enters a half shutter mode, and generates a half shuttermode notification informing that the user input detector 840 enters thehalf shutter mode.

Entering the half shutter mode can be notified by voice or sound,vibration, or a visual message on a screen.

In addition, entering the half shutter mode can be notified by ablinking of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) provided to the mobileterminal, or a blinking of a flash provided to the mobile terminal,which does not limit the scope of the invention.

After notifying of entering a half shutter mode, the user input detector840 makes a preparation for detection of a user input 2. The preparationfor the detection of the user input 2 includes determining whether aprocess for detecting the user input 2 is configured to adopt anautomatic image capturing mode.

When the automatic image capturing mode is adopted, the user inputdetector 840 automatically takes a picture in a predetermined time. Inthis example, a counter showing a remaining time until taking a picturecan be displayed.

When the automatic image capturing mode is not adopted, the user inputdetector 840 monitors whether the user input 2 is detected.

When detecting the user input 2, the user input detector 840 takes apicture from a camera.

The processes after this are the same as the above-described processes(ex: store a taken image).

When detecting the user input 2, instead of the user's operation ofproviding the user input on the screen of the mobile terminal, the userinput detector 840 determines whether certain user's voice or sound isdetected using an algorithm realized in advance, and when the certainuser's voice or sound is detected, the user input detector 840 candetermine that the user input 2 has been detected.

In addition, when detecting the user input 2, the mobile terminaldetermines whether the user's certain gesture is input, and when thecertain gesture is detected, the mobile terminal can determine that theuser input 2 has been detected.

The present disclosure allows a user to take a self-portrait picture ina stable posture, thereby providing a convenience to the user.

Although the invention has been shown and described with reference tocertain example embodiments thereof, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Therefore, thescope of the present invention should not be limited to theabove-described embodiments but should be determined by not only theappended claims but also the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus capable of taking a self-portraitpicture, comprising: a screen; a camera; and a controller configured to:cause the screen to display a live preview image received from thecamera; after the live preview image is displayed, detect a first usergesture for triggering a display of an indicator on the screen; causethe screen to display the indicator at a changeable position where thefirst user gesture is detected, wherein the indicator indicates that agesture detection mode is entered to recognize a second user gesturedifferent from the first user gesture; while the indicator is displayedon the screen, detect the second user gesture in the indicator; andafter detecting the second user gesture, cause the camera toautomatically take a self-portrait picture.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the first user gesture comprises a first pre-configured pattern.3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first user gesture comprises atouchless input.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first usergesture is determined to be valid when a position of the firstpre-configured pattern is within a predetermined region on the screen.5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the controller is configured tocause the screen to display the indicator at the position when the firstuser gesture is determined to be valid.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein the second user gesture comprises a second pre-configuredpattern different from the first pre-configured pattern.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the indicator indicates a region in whichthe second user gesture occurring in the indicator is determined to bevalid.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second user gesture isdetermined to be valid when a position of the second pre-configuredgesture is within a predetermined region on the screen.
 9. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising: a timer counter configured to cause thecamera unit to automatically take the self-portrait picture upon anexpiration of the timer counter.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, whereinthe controller is configured to trigger the time counter in response todetecting the second user gesture.
 11. A method for taking aself-portrait picture, the method comprising: displaying a live previewimage received from a camera on a screen; after the live preview imageis displayed, detecting a first user gesture for triggering a display ofan indicator on the screen; displaying the indicator at a changeableposition where the first user gesture is detected, wherein the indicatorindicates that a gesture detection mode is entered to recognize a seconduser gesture different from the first user gesture; while the indicatoris displayed on the screen, detecting the second user gesture in theindicator; and after detecting the second user gesture, automaticallytaking a self-portrait picture.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein thefirst user gesture comprises a first pre-configured pattern.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the first user gesture comprises a touchlessinput.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first user gesture isdetermined to be valid when a position of the first pre-configuredpattern is within a predetermined region on the screen.
 15. The methodof claim 14, wherein displaying the indicator comprises displaying theindicator at the position when the first user gesture is determined tobe valid.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the second user gesturecomprises a second pre-configured pattern different from the firstpre-configured pattern.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein theindicator indicates a region in which the second user gesture occurringin the indicator is determined to be valid.
 18. The method of claim 16,wherein the second user gesture is determined to be valid when aposition of the second pre-configured gesture is within a predeterminedregion on the screen.
 19. The method of claim 11, further comprising:displaying a timer counter configured to cause the camera unit toautomatically take the self-portrait picture upon an expiration of thetimer counter, wherein the time counter is triggered in response todetecting the second user gesture.
 20. An apparatus capable of taking aself-portrait picture, comprising: a screen; a camera; and a controllerconfigured to: cause the screen to display a live preview image receivedfrom the camera; in response to detecting a user input, enter a gesturedetection mode for recognizing a user input gesture at a changeableposition on the screen, and cause the screen to display an indicatorindicating the gesture detection mode being entered at a position inwhich the user input is detected; while the indicator is displayed onthe screen, detect the user gesture in the indicator; and in response todetecting the user gesture, cause the camera to take a self-portraitpicture.